President Aquino confers Order of the Golden Heart with the rank of Grand Cross on former Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Tsuneo Tanaka

President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Order of the Golden Heart with the rank of Grand Cross (Maringal na Krus) on former Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Tsuneo Tanaka for his role in establishing numerous health, education and livelihood projects for Filipinos during a simple ceremony in Malacanang on Monday.

The Chief Executive awarded the Order of the Golden Heart on Tanaka in a simple ceremony at the Music Room of Malacanang Palace.

The President cited the former Ambassador for "playing a vital role in establishing numerous health, education and livelihood projects throughout the country in service of the Filipino masses with the guiding principle that the underprivileged can learn to make a living with pride."

"Tanaka was also recognized for promoting and fostering a culture of service-oriented volunteer work for Japanese nationals in the Philippines through the Global Voluntary Service of which he serves as Senior Adviser," the President said.

Tanaka was likewise cited for actively encouraging activities to provide financial and monetary assistance for programs that have helped improve the living standards and economic conditions of Filipinos.

The Order of the Golden Heart was established in 1954 by the late President Ramon Magsaysay to recognize individuals who had rendered distinguished services or material aid to improve the condition of the masses.

Joining the President during the conferment ceremony are Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe, Director Kiyoshi Takiuchi of the Japan Information Center, Embassy of Japan, and Presidential sister Ballsy Aquino-Cruz among others.

Malacañang appeals to all to ‘take a look’ at the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, says peace accord will benefit all Bangsamoro

Malacanang appealed to all Filipinos to closely review the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement (BFA), saying the peace accord will benefit the Bangsamoro whether they be members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Moro National Liberation Front or the Lumads.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued the appeal in a press briefing in Malacanang on Monday amid reports that the MNLF would declare independence for Mindanao if the BFA would be implemented through the abrogation of the 1996 peace agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the MNLF.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles clarified that what the government sought was the termination of the tripartite review mechanism brokered by the Organization of Islamic Conference and maintained that “the government will continue to engage relevant parties of the MNLF, through the existing mechanism, to find a just and comprehensive political solution for the issue of the southern Philippines.”

Lacierda said the BFA, once completed, would foster peace and development in Mindanao whose benefits would redound to all, as this was a “major improvement over the organic Act of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.”

“The Bangsamoro Framework Agreement will benefit all Bangsamoro. It includes whether you are MILF, MNLF or Lumad, kasama kayo sa makikinabang sa Bangsamoro Framework Agreement,” Lacierda said.

“We ask all people, all Bangsamoro to take a look at the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement. This is a major improvement over the organic act of the ARMM and therefore, we will come up with the framework agreement as well as the annexes ultimately to peace and development in Mindanao,” he added.

“And therefore we ask the MNLF to seriously look into this agreement, not as MNLF but as Bangsamoro, and it includes everyone: MILF, MNLF and the Lumads,” he further said.

The BFA is a commitment by the government and the MILF to establish a new autonomous political entity in Muslim Mindanao. It will replace the ARMM with a more empowered and more equitable system called the Bangsamoro.

1000 residents benefit from army’s ‘Bayanihan para sa kapayapaan’

By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, July 29 (PIA) -- More than 1,000 people benefited from the army’s “Bayanihan para sa kapayapaan (working together for peace)” through a free medical and dental services, July 27, at Sumpong village, this city.

With the theme “Serbisyuhan ang katawhan ug panalipdan ang yutang natawhan (Serve the people, protect and defend homeland),” the medical dental civic action program (Medcap) was organized by 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (403rdIB,4ID) of the Philippine Army.

Army Lt. Col. Arturo G. Asinero, who facilitated the event, said 1,291 residents—mostly children—were served.

“Of this number, 90 availed of the tooth extraction and dental services, 1,151 benefited from medical check-up, and 50 children availed of the feeding program,” he said.

Other patients also received free medicines, while those who were in queue were served “arrozcaldo” (ginger flavored rice-chicken soup delicacy), which was dished up in coordination with Bukidnon Pharmaceutical Multi-purpose Cooperative (BUPHARCO).

A series of films entitled “Kung walang labanan, lahat makikinabang (When there’s no war, everyone gains)” were also shown at the venue.

In his message, Col. Francisco L. Pabayo, 403Bde Commander, said the activity aims to deliver basic services to uplift lives in the neighborhood that could help attain peace and development in the community.

He said this event highlights the army’s 40th founding anniversary, which is in line with the armed forces’ program of change that seeks to professionalize the army, whom people can trust, admire, and depend on.

This multi-stakeholders engagement is in collaboration with the Malaybalay city government, Bukidnon Sugar Milling Co. (BUSCO, Inc), city health office, Bukidnon provincial government, BUPHARCO, Rose Pharmacy, DOLE Skyland, barangay council of Sumpong, private individuals, and key government organizations, Col. Pabayo said. (RLRBalistoy/PIA10, Bukidnon)

RIC women undergo Cassava livelihood training

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, July 29 (PIA) -- Members of the Provincial Rural Improvement Club (RIC) have completed the Cassava Livelihood Training at the Pasalubong Center Building, Barangay Sagadan in the capital town of Tubod, Lanao del Norte, on July 25 to 26.

Twenty five of them, all women, are the concurrent presidents of their respective municipal RIC’s, all coming from 16 towns, this province.

“This is the fufilment of our long desire to provide this kind of training to our RIC municipal leaders so that they can further enhance their livelihood skills,” Provincial 4-H Coordinator Merlyn Palomares said.

The workshop is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Region 10, so with the provincial government unit.

Regional trainors were Julie Dalito and Rick Bacalares. DA-10 also provided the supplies and materials for the livelihood workshop, while the provincial government provided the training venue and accommodation of trainors.

Among the cassava grates recipes taught to the participants are jolly roll, yuca sticks, pichi-pichi, cassava cuchinta, binangkal, cassava rolls, egg ball and cassava puffs, and cassava cake.

“I hope that the knowledge and skills they learned from this training will be re-echoed in their respective towns so that other home-based women will also be able to earn extra income,” Provincial Agri-Business Coordinator Rosalinda Ecot said.

The Rural Improvement Club is a voluntary, non-profit, non-sectarian, non-partisan, socio economics association whose members are rural women, cognizant of their dynamic role in bringing about progressive improvement to home and community life and of their belief that these can be best promoted through cooperative efforts.

RICs serve as channels for harnessing the leadership potentials of rural women through various developments oriented activities. They get technical assistance from the Home extension economist supported by the Department of Agriculture at all level. (VNL/PIO-LDN/LVG/PIA-10)

Kapatagan Provincial Hospital soon to rise in Lanao del Norte

TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, July 27 (PIA) -- The highly anticipated Kapatagan Provincial Hospital will soon be serving its residents and nearby towns of Lala, Salvador, Sapad, Sultan Naga Dimaporo and Nunungan, this province.

This modern 100-bed capacity hospital is another flagship project of Lanao del Norte Governor Khalid Dimaporo as he continues to improve the healthcare services in the province.

It was learned during the coordination meeting between the provincial government and representatives from the Municipal Development Fund Office (MDFO) and the Department of Health (DOH), that more than 20 percent of the project has already been completed.

"We assure everyone that men at work be in a 24/7 basis just to finish the project which we target to have it done by October this year,” according to Rudolph Tamula of RRMD Construction and Supply.The construction started middle year of 2012.

RRMD Construction and Supply is the winning contractor of this P180-million Kapatagan Provincial Hospital.

“With this new health facility, we shall be able to give better healthcare services to our people especially those in need and ultimately improve the general health condition in Lanao del Norte," Kapatagan Chief of Hospital Medel Tomada said.

Meanwhile, Kapatagan town Mayor Benjie Baguio describes this new hospital to be the province’ and the town’s land mark as the facilities and amenities would be like that of a hotel, and there would be space provided for clinics of private physicians to cater patients according to the doctor’s own field of expertise. So, no need for our residents here to travel to other cities for a check up especially on cases with special attention, Baguio added.

It would also be a tourism-hub destination-like for those patients from nearby areas reached by our town, because economic-wise, their coming here for check up would be local government’s additional income, disclosed Baguio. (lvg/PIA-10 LDN/VNLPIO-LDN)

CDRRMC disaster response starts 18 hrs from broadcast of typhoon

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, July 29 (PIA) -- Disaster response of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), here, starts 18 hours before the typhoon landfall.

This is according to the Ozamiz CDRRMC disaster response protocol that serve as standard operating procedure (SOP) to follow in times of a typhoon occurrence, particularly, on widespread rainfall and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides, Mark Vincent E. Israel, CDRRMC Officer, said.

Thus, Israel said, based on the broadcast of a typhoon signal within a geographic area, or on the basis of a 24-hour Weather Forecast and Extended Weather Outlook issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geo-physical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the CDRRMC should be able to do the following:

Within 18 hours from broadcast - the CDRRMC should be able to establish an Incident Command Post (ICP), conduct a rapid monitoring and tracking of typhoon, activate an Early Warning System (EWS), conduct massive information dissemination through text brigade and the media, radio, television, internet and social network and convene the members of the CDRRMC.

Within 16 hours from the broadcast - Enforce pre-emptive evacuation, mobilize members of CDRRMC, initiate the effective utilization of the DRRMC Revolving / Sporadic Fund, which the DRRMC Fund Comptroller must have signed and released.

Set up the identified evacuation centers (EC), deploy trained personnel in food handling and in orderly distribution of relief goods, medical and counselling services, law enforcement and settling inter-personal conflict.

Ensure the availability and adequacy of basic and essential needs in the EC’s immediately prior to actual evacuation, such as, but not limited to, water supply, back-up power supply, food, sleeping mats, blankets, gender-sensitive sanitary facilities and facilitate registration of the persons going to the EC’s.

Within 12 hours from broadcast - Deploy Emergency Response Team (ERT), as well, as rescue and evacuation equipment in staging or in assigned deployment areas and call for cancellation of classes.

Within 6 hours from the broadcast – Enforce/implement a forced evacuation of the residents-at-risk and within 4 hours from broadcast – all CDRRMC operations and activities, except for Camp Management and Weather Monitoring, must be stopped. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Amendment of CdeO health, sanitation ordinance pushed

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, July 29 -- Instead of having weekly check-ups, professional massage and spa therapists may have to go only twice a month.

This will be one of the provisions of the amendatory ordinance endorsed by the City Council committee on health and sanitation chaired by Councilor Dante Pajo to the committee on laws and rules chaired by Councilor Ramon G. Tabor.

The move is in response to the formal proposal submitted by Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Efren Uy seeking the amendment of health ordinance on the provision that requires therapists of massage and spa parlors to seek weekly medical attention.

Section 18 of Ordinance No. 011195-2008, which amends Ordinance No. 10022-2006, requires all entertainers, masseurs and others with similar occupation to undergo compulsory weekly medical check-up to be conducted on regular basis at the Social Hygiene Clinic of the City Health Department.

The business group cited that therapists are subjected to the same examination processes as that of commercial sex workers and are even queuing in the same area where the latter are lining up. Such is reportedly degrading of therapists and respective businesses.

“Our business is not a breeding ground for prostitution and fornication. We offer legitimate health and wellness services. Our day spa business is one that delivers personal care treatments such as massage, facial steam treatment and even exercises aimed to improve one’s health, beauty and state of mind,” he cited in a letter.

According to the Oro Chamber, the ordinance is outmoded and needs to be revised. It was likewise proposed that the city comes up with an ordinance regulating the spa and wellness industry in the city.

During the meeting, Oro Chamber representative Lordelie Enhambre said the request was filed two years ago and was just revived. She expressed hopes that consideration will be given on their concern.

Dr. Joselito Retuya, Social Hygiene Clinic Physician of the City Health Office (CHO) said the weekly check-up is one of the proactive measures as part of the drive for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS in the city.

Aside from this, orientation seminars are being held for new registrants, he added.

The CHO representative, however admitted that Republic Act 856, known as the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines and the city ordinance were both enacted when there was no spa yet in the city.

It was only during the last five years that spas and wellness clinics started to open, he added. But since spas involve body massage and body contact, medical check-ups are still required.

Dr. Retuya also maintained the need for an ordinance disallowing massage therapy in parks saying the practice is unaesthetic and unhealthy.

Councilor Pajo said the request of the Oro Chamber and other possible revisions will be inserted as provisions of the proposed amendatory ordinance. (CdeOSP/PIA10)

Energy sales in region 10, up 0.49% in 1Q

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, July 29 (PIA) -- A total of 728,672,057 kilowatt per hour (kwh) of electric energy was sold to Northern Mindanao, during the first quarter of the year.

This is actually higher by 0.49 percent over the 725,139,405 kwh. of energy sold to the region in the same period of 2012, Engr. Leon M. Dacanay, Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), region 10, said.

Gathered from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the NEDA data also show that among the five provinces of region 10, Misamis Oriental, continued to be the biggest energy consumer of the region with its energy sales of 498,396,217 kwh., during the period.

This is because of the many business locators inside the Phivedec Industrial Estate-Misamis Oriental (PIE-MO) of the Phivedec Industrial Authority, such as the Mindanao Port Container Terminal, Coca-Cola Bottling Plant, among others.

The energy sales in other provinces of the region, during the period, was as follows: Lanao del Norte, 120,158,143 kwh, Bukidnon, 62,158, 473 kwh, Misamis Occidental, 42,712,878 kwh and Camiguin, 4, 483,333 kwh.

The NEDA data also show that Misamis Oriental posted the highest increase in energy sales with 4.45 percent, followed by Misamis Occidental, 3.75 percent and Camiguin, 1.03 percent.

However, the energy sales in Lanao del Norte went down to negative 13.09 percent due to the rehabilitation of one of its direct customers, while another one was not in its full operation, so also with Bukidnon, a negative 1.66 percent.

Again, Misamis Oriental posted the biggest share of 68.40 percent in energy sales, followed by Lanao del Norte, 16.49 percent, Bukidnon, 8.64 percent, Misamis Occidental, 5.86 percent and Camiguin, 0.62 percent. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Whirlwind hurts 1, destroys buildings

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon, July 27 (PIA)—A whirlwind or thunderstorm, locally known as “ipo-ipo” ripped through two (2) villages in Valencia City, injuring 84-year old resident at 3:45 p.m. on July 24.

Described as a sudden occurrence of funnel-shaped strong winds from the sky, hitting down grounds in powerful twisting motion, the whirlwind rapidly devastated 10 households and 6 commercial buildings along its path.

It tore off roofs of a school building, City Hall administration extension office, and uprooted some decade-old trees in the city.

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) immediately provided the emergency rescue teams of the local government unit, Philippine National Police, and civic communication volunteers, among others, reports reaching the office of Gov. Jose Ma. R. Zubiri Jr said.

Based on CDRRMC’s rapid damage assessment and needs analysis report, the whirlwind’s destruction reached P800,000.

However, there were no forced evacuation orders from the local government because the CDRRMO provided immediate service assistance to affected areas in the form of towing trucks and chain saws to cut uprooted trees. Besides, houses were just slightly damaged, said Hipolito Ucang, Officer In-Charge, City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Valencia City DRRM office is still conducting ocular inspection in affected areas.

Cash assistance will be provided by the local government unit soon as the damage assessment in the whirlwind-hit areas will be completed, Ucang said. (RLRBalistoy-PIA10, Bukidnon)

AFP Bishop visits 4ID, installs new division Chaplain

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, July 29 --- The Military Bishop of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Most Reverend Leopoldo S Tumulak made a visit to Camp Evangelista on July 28.

In a simple military honors, Bishop Tumulak was welcomed in by Brigadier General Ricardo R Visaya AFP, the Division Commander of 4th Infantry Division.

A total of eight Troop Carrier KM450 Ambulance vehicles, donated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) and three new motorcycles were blessed before its distribution to field units.

The blessing of the new vehicles and motorcycles was followed in by a Holy Mass at 4ID’s Saint Ignatius chapel wherein Bishop Tumulak officially installed Major Rex T Armeña CHS (PA) as the new division chaplain.

BGen Visaya expressed his thanks and gratitude to Bishop Tumulak for the time given to 4ID and for the religious events officiated lately in spite of the bishop’s busy schedules. Bishop Tumulak likewise is serving as catholic bishop for the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, and Philippine National Police.

Meanwhile, a mosque was created just outside 4ID camp for Muslim soldiers; the Muslim community is represented in by Major Farouk B Sarip CHS (PA), the Post Islamic Chaplain. (4CMO/4ID/PA/PIA10)